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Traveling with Cards

The last thing you think about doing as you’re getting ready to leave for a trip is calling the credit union. It may seem like an odd thing to do, but it really is something that should go on your to do list before you leave for any trip. The reason is that it can help ensure that your debit and credit cards will work when you reach your destination.

The geographic area where your card is active is something that is tracked. When card purchases suddenly show up across the country, or in areas that are far away from where you usually make purchases, it can appear as if your card has been compromised. When atypical card usage is noted, an alert is generated, and many times a hold will be placed on the card. Then we have to get in contact with you to confirm that you were the one making the purchases before regular usage of the card can resume. Obviously that can be a major inconvenience for you, which is the last thing you, or we, want to have happen, especially while your on a trip.

Fortunately, this whole situation is easily avoided by a making a quick phone call. Simply let us know when you plan on using your card far from home and we’ll note it. That lets us protect your account and makes sure that you can use your card when and where you wish without any annoying interruptions.

This leads into one other important habit that you should get into with everyone that you have a card from. That habit is to make sure that your contact information is accurate. In the event that we do receive an alert and put a hold on your card, we need to know how to get in touch with you. So, the next time you’re in one of our lobbies, simply ask to have the teller review the contact information on file. Or give one of our friendly call center reps a call. Any of them are happy to update your information so that we can get in touch with you in case of emergency.

Finally, it’s also always a good idea to have at least a bit of cash, or traveler’s checks, on hand in addition to any cards you may plan on using. That way, if something does happen, whether it’s a disabled or broken card or simply non-functioning ATMs at your destination, you’re covered. Following these simple tips can make traveling a lot less stressful and ensure that you have a good trip.

We love to get feedback from our readers, so feel free to comment. We’ll do our best to answer any questions you may have. Got a topic you’d like us to cover? A question that you’d like to have answered? Comment or shoot us an email!